Description

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL)

Full-Time | Exempt | Remote (Washington-based preferred) | Requires Travel

POSITION & ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

The Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) seeks a dynamic, practical leader who can set a clear direction for the organization and help it grow. This Executive Director will primarily work behind the scenes to build membership, improve the services we offer our members, strengthen fundraising and sponsorships, and make sure our major events and day-to-day operations run smoothly. We need someone with strong managerial and administrative skills who can work closely with the Board, follow through on details, and also bring new ideas and energy to help WACDL expand its impact across Washington.  

WACDL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the integrity, independence, and expertise of criminal defense lawyers; supporting the defense community through education and the exchange of information; promoting the fair and just administration of criminal justice; and ensuring due process and defending the rights secured by law for all persons accused of crime.

WACDL currently employs two staff members: this executive director position, and one part-time Program Coordinator. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Governors which consists of 24 members.

This is a full-time, exempt position.

Application deadline:   February 13, 2026

Target start date:   April 6, 2026

Salary: $100,000 to $115,000 to start

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership & Organizational Management

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the effective functioning of the Association.
• Oversee WACDL’s programs, resources, and day-to-day operations.
• Draft and oversee position papers, policy statements, public comments, and organizational announcements on behalf of WACDL.
  
  

Board, Committee, and Governance Support

• Provide comprehensive staff support to the Board of Governors, Executive Committee, committees, and task forces.
• In partnership with the Program Coordinator, schedule meetings; draft agendas; set committee goals; and prepare, compile, and distribute materials in advance of meetings.
• Attend meetings and provide note-taking, follow-up, and tracking of action items.
• Incorporate feedback from Board members, committee chairs, and task force participants into finalized work products, recommendations, and policy materials.
• Develop and maintain committee and task force guidelines, charters, timelines, and operating practices
• Support effective committee operations, including onboarding of chairs and members and ongoing coordination throughout the year.

Board Leadership Development and Governance

• Support Board leadership development, including onboarding new Board members and officers.
• Provide governance support, including drafting, maintaining, and updating policies, procedures, and governance documents.
• Assist the Board in implementing best practices related to nonprofit governance, roles, and responsibilities.
• Support annual goal-setting, strategic priorities, and evaluation processes in coordination with Board leadership.

Personnel Management

• Supervise and support staff and contractors, including hiring, onboarding, training, task assignment, and performance evaluation.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-aligned work culture.

Fiscal, Legal & Governance Responsibilities

• Prepare the annual budget in collaboration with the Treasurer for review by the Executive Committee and Board.
• Monitor and manage the Board-approved budget and provide regular financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax and regulatory requirements.

Events, Fundraising & Sponsorship Development

• Plan and execute major WACDL events, including the Annual Conference, Holiday Party & Auction, and in-person, hybrid, and online CLE programs.
• Negotiate contracts with venues, hotels, event vendors, auctioneers, production teams, and other contractors.
• Coordinate event logistics, timelines, and budgets in collaboration with committees and volunteers.
• Secure and manage event sponsorships, including outreach and fulfillment of recognition commitments.
• Support donor stewardship, including acknowledgments, recognition, and relationship management.
• Support fundraising initiatives tied to events, including live auctions, raffles, and special appeals.

Member Services & Programs

• Oversee development and delivery of member services, including CLE programs, practice resources, publications, listservs, and online tools.
• Regularly evaluate member services and bring recommendations for improvement to the Board.

Policy & Legislative Advocacy

• Work closely with WACDL’s Legislative Committee to set priorities, develop strategy, and respond to legislation.
• Draft and coordinate policy position papers, legislative comment letters, testimony materials, and advocacy communications.
• Monitor legislative, administrative, and judicial developments affecting criminal defense and due process.
• Support member engagement in advocacy efforts.

Membership Development

• Develop and implement strategies to grow membership and retain existing members.

Communications

• Draft, edit, and oversee organizational communications, including member announcements, policy updates, and public statements.
• Oversee production of email newsletters and other Association publications.
• Ensure clarity, consistency, and professionalism across all written communications.
• Guide development and ongoing improvement of the WACDL website and digital platforms.

External Relations

• Serve as a liaison to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), other state defense organizations, partner organizations, sponsors, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Represent WACDL in coalition and coordinated advocacy efforts as appropriate.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated commitment to WACDL’s mission and to protecting the rights of the accused.
• Bachelor’s degree
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel as required.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES & SKILLS

Experience & Skills

• Experience leading or managing a nonprofit, professional association, or similar organization.
• Event planning and execution experience, including conferences and fundraising events.
• Experience negotiating contracts with venues, hotels, vendors, and service providers.
• Budget development and fiscal management experience.
• Experience supporting nonprofit governance and working with a volunteer board.
• Familiarity with Association Management Systems (AMS) and membership databases.
• Proficiency with Zoom, Asana, Slack, and other remote collaboration tools.
• Experience securing sponsorships and supporting donor stewardship efforts.
• Knowledge of legislative processes at the local, state, or national level.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Marketing and member engagement experience, including social media.
• Knowledge of criminal defense or the criminal legal system strongly preferred.

Personal Characteristics

• Integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to self-direct and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT, TRAVEL & BENEFITS

• Work environment: Remote.
• Travel: Occasional travel required, including overnight stays. Key in-person events include the Annual Conference (Chelan, June), Holiday Party & Auction (Seattle, December), and other in-person CLEs.
• Benefits include an employer IRA contribution match program, generous paid holiday and vacation time, comprehensive health insurance (medical, vision, and dental)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WACDL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, disability, veteran status, political ideology, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by law.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to info@wacdl.org.  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with priority to applications submitted by February 13, 2026.

Interviews begin the week of February 23, 2026.

The ideal candidate can begin on April 6, 2026.